Why you should visit Moscow in the winter & other concierge secrets

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Moscow: Ignore what all the guidebooks tell you and skip Moscow’s busy “golden period” (April-June) in favour of winter—yes, really. “Winter is the best season to visit Moscow,” promises Julia Pasechinik, Chief Concierge of Hotel National. “The streets are decorated and look so beautiful, especially at nighttime, when the trees and buildings are lit up and covered with snow. It’s magical.”

“Hire a traditional troika—a carriage pulled by three horses, once the standard mode of transport in cold weather,” adds Pasechinik. “Afterward, have a bowl of hot borscht and a small glass of vodka at Pavilion, like the natives.”

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Jakarta: This country might be filled with tourist traps, but there’s still lots of authenticity hidden in plain sight—if you know where to look. “Go to Setu Babakan, a cultural village that preserves the indigenous Betawi culture in Jakarta,” advises Teguh Perwira, Chief Concierge at Keraton at The Plaza. “You’ll find traditional houses, see cultural shows, and experience authentic Indonesian traditions.”

If you’re in the Old City, stop by the charming Cafe Batavia. “It’s in the second oldest building in Kota Tua and is the perfect spot for lunch. Grab a window table on the second floor, overlooking the old city hall.”

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Vienna: There's so much more to Vienna than palaces, gardens, and museums; it has a very fun, playful side that most tourists overlook. "Visit the Prater Amusement Park and ride the Riesenrad," advises Dieter Ludewig, Chief Concierge of the Hotel Bristol. "Then hike up Kahlenberg to its peak, Stefaniewarte, for the best views of the city."

Once you've worked up an appetite, "eat lunch at Gastwirtschaft Huth and try the tafelspitz (boiled beef), schnitzel (deep-fried veal), andapfelstrudel. Or, for a quick bite, try a sausage at Würstelstand Bitzinger for a truly local experience."

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Venice: Shopaholics, rejoice: Turns out one of the best ways to experience the City of Bridges is through browsing its artisan boutiques. “Much of the beauty of experiencing Venice comes from shopping,” admits Filippo Bollani, Chief Concierge at Hotel Danieli. “Stop in the charming boutique Pied-à-terre for a pair of handcrafted leather Furlane, the famous velvet gondolier slippers, handsewn by Friulu countrywomen, using bicycle tires for the soles.”

“Then there’s Nardi. Its jewellery is beloved by clientele that have included Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. The shop also works with clients to create fabulous bespoke pieces, the ultimate Venetian keepsake. End the day with an aperitif and dinner in Restaurant Terraza Danieli.”

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Shanghai: Fight the impulse to see everything in glamourous, action-packed Shanghai and, instead, just take it slow. “Take a walk through the 400-year-old Yu Garden, a tranquil private garden,” advises Stanley Shao, Chief Concierge at The Hongta Hotel. "Stop at Lu Bo Lang for Chinese radish cake and xiao long bao (steamed pork dumplings), or the Pavilion tea house to sip Chinese tea.”

“Do as the locals do and spend an evening taking a mellow boat ride down the Huangpu River, enjoying the lights and spectacle of Shanghai—from afar.”

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Mallorca: The island of Mallorca may be best known for its beaches but, according to Mariano Iglesias Moreno, concierge at Castillo Hotel Son Vida, the island’s peaks are equally beautiful. “The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are my favorite natural attraction in Mallorca,” says Moreno.

“Start your day with a mild hike through the mountain range, starting in Esporles. While you’re there, try pa amb oli—an authentic snack of bread with native ramallet tomato squeezed over it, and a dash of olive oil, salt, and various toppings. Later, visit the indoor markets of Palma—Mercat Olivar and Mercat de Santa Catalina—which is like heaven for foodies.”

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Paris: Like Venice, Paris is best experienced through admiring (and tasting!) the work of its artisans. "Visit the Delisle showroom, where, since 1895, craftsmen have been working with bronze and iron to make custom lighting, furniture, and clocks," advises Marie-Liesse Thery, Head Concierge at Prince de Galles Hotel. "Or arrange for a visit to the workshop of Manuela Paul Cavallier, an artist who uses gold leaf to combine a 17th-century aesthetic with a contemporary vibe."

Like cheese? "Visit Fromagerie Quatrehomme on Rue de Sèvres. The family dairy shop has more than 200 cheeses on offer. The owner, Marie, was the first woman to be awarded the title Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France) in 2000."

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San Francisco: When in San Francisco, it's worth exploring outside the city centre. "Ride the ferry to the charming town of Sausalito, full of boutiques, outdoor cafes, galleries, and wine shops," suggests Jose Lopez, Chief Concierge at the Palace Hotel. "Spend the afternoon wandering, shopping, and tasting, and enjoy the stunning sights on the water spanning from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge on the way back."

"Also visit North Beach, and slip into an Italian cafe for homemade cannoli and delicious espresso."

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Crete: It isn’t all sandy beaches and aquamarine waters; it’s also home to the country’s best wine, according to Konstantinos Skoumbakis, Chief Concierge at the Blue Palace. “Don’t miss Boutari Winery, near the archaeological site of Knossos, where some of the earliest traces of Western viticulture were discovered,” says Skoumbakis. “It’s a state-of-the-art winery that gives incredible insight into the country’s history in winemaking.”

“End the day at the Blue Palace. We light bonfires on the beach and slow-cook the famous antikristo lamb. Bread is baked in a stone oven, and local producers come with their honey, olive oil, herbs, and clay pottery. Crete is a magical place.”

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New York: When visiting New York, "touristy" isn't always a bad thing. "Take a stroll through Central Park—it's the world's most famous public park—and see the Reservoir, Belvedere Castle, and the Great Lawn," advises James Jolis, Chief Concierge at The Chatwal. "Art lovers should also visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, particularly the Ancient Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian Collection."

For food: "Go to Totto Ramen for a quick bite. And indulge in one of the notable restaurants in the Theater District before seeing a show—Betony (pictured) is good for modern American fare and ABC Kitchen for an intimate downtown vibe."